News Release

Town Council amends the State’s first integrated pest management policy for municipal parks and public properties

June 27, 2025

The Hilton Head Island Town Council has amended an organic-first, integrated pest management policy (IPM) that was authorized following the October 15, 2024 Town Council meeting. This is the first such policy to be adopted and implemented by a municipality in South Carolina.

"Last fall, this policy formalized our commitment to environmentally responsible and sustainable landscaping practices, including reducing chemical use, on all Town-owned and maintained properties," said Mayor Alan Perry. "Adopting this amended policy for our community is about doing everything we can to minimize the risks to human and animal health and the environment, while still maintaining the beauty of Town-owned and operated spaces."

The amendments approved by Town Council result in an organic-first pest management policy that ensures transparency to the public.

“We've received lots of positive feedback since we implemented the policy, including outreach from other municipalities who are interested in learning how to implement their own IPM policy,” said Shawn Leininger, Assistant Town Manager. “These amendments help us refine a leading pest management program that is aligned with our community goal to protect and preserve the natural environment.”

Prior to Town Council’s IPM policy adoption and implementation and under Town Manager Marc Orlando’s direction, the Town had already eliminated the use of glyphosate products (i.e., Roundup, Ranger Pro, Glyphosate 41) on playgrounds, dog parks, wetland buffers, and the Mid-Island Tract off Union Cemetery Road in April 2023. In addition to formalizing this aspect of pest management, the policy further specifies a set of best practice guiding principles that require the use of organic solutions and preventative measures.

Developed in collaboration with Kim Konte, founder of the national nonprofit organization Non-Toxic Neighborhoods (NTN), the policy reflects a paradigm shift away from chemical dependence to an organic-first approach. "Kim and her team at NTN provided invaluable education, expertise, and guidance throughout the policy development and adoption process," Leininger added. "These efforts allowed us to develop an environmentally responsible policy that is aligned with the strategic goals of our community."

The IPM policy applies to all properties, road rights-of-way, and facilities owned, operated, or managed by the Town of Hilton Head Island. It does not apply to residential or commercial properties within the Town that are not owned or managed by the Town.

In addition to requiring preventative and organic solutions to pest control that minimize risks to humans, pets, and non-target organisms, the IPM policy provides:

• Public notification requirements before and after the use of pesticides.
• Improved record-keeping and reporting.
• Approval procedures for the use of pesticides.
• A decision-making strategy that combines biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools aimed at the long-term prevention of pests (plants and animals) or their damage.
• Collaboration with community organizations, schools, and other stakeholders to further promote IPM adoption and awareness throughout the community.

The policy was developed through an assessment of previous Town practices along with other environmentally conscious landscaping practices related to pest and weed control. Town Staff met with certified professionals, other municipalities, local, state and national leaders in the industry, representatives of the NTN organization, and the Town's landscaping contractors to review strategies and best practices.